Eloise “El” Hoyt, 88, died Aug. 16, 2014, in Manistique, Mich. She was born May 7, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the daughter of Charles and Lura (Hosmer) Locklin, and graduated from Ottawa High School.
She married Kenneth N. Hoyt in 1955, and he preceded her in death in 2001.
Eloise and Ken lived in Grand Rapids until 1966, and moved to Wayland, Mich., and then to Newaygo, Mich., to raise their five children. They enjoyed living in Alaska for several years in the 1980s and early 1990s, and then returned to Newaygo. Eloise moved to Manistique in 2004 to be closer to family following Ken’s death.
Eloise enjoyed time with friends, especially playing bridge and being part of potluck and sewing groups. She also enjoyed reading and travel. In her younger years, she actively volunteered for the PTA, Red Cross and participated in election work. While in Alaska, she volunteered at the Homer Pratt Museum.
She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Duff) of Homer; Stephen of Charlo, Mont., Laurie of Portland, Ore., and Amy (Mike) Powers of Manistique, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Locklin. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael, in 2004, and her brother, Boyd Locklin.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be held at Coopersville Cemetery, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Hoyt Society of American Foresters Scholarship, University of Alaska Fairbanks Advancement Services, www.uaf.edu/giving.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.mbfuneral.com.